Free Ms. Zephyr's Notebook by KC Dyer Page B

chick is just too weird.
    What really bugs me is she scoffed at my graphic novel. For your information, CLEOPATRA, it is not a comic strip. There’s a difference, you know. Comic strips are like Garfield or Peanuts or something. And they can be pretty fun to read. But I happen to know from my English teacher that the graphic novel is a highly respected form of writing. And just because certain little weirdies can’t draw worth spit is no reason for them to talk down about graphic novels. We read Maus in Grade 9 English and it was one of the best books I’ve ever seen. It was published in 1986, which was before a certain weird person was even born. And what about The Sandman? Neil Gaiman is a genius. Graphic novels rule.
    So, even though I’ve written by far enough journal today, here’s another panel of the novel, just because.
    Logan Kemp, who always uses his real name.

Evergreen Hospital
Children’s Ward-Desk 9
Office: 101-456-7890
November 21
To: Ms. Abigail Zephyr,
Evergreen Hospital Education Department Head
Re: Nutritional support for Cleopatra Jones
Dr. Valens has relayed a request from the hos-pital nutritionist that Cleopatra is required to re-sume a morning snack of protein bar/shake asher weight has not rebounded since the removal of the NG tube. Please ensure that Cleopatra be allowed a sufficient break from her morning stud-ies to allow her time to take this important nutri-tional supplement. Please direct any questions to Dr. Valens. Thank you.
Takehiko Ken, RN
    November 21
    Kip G.
    Abbie, I showed Jacqueline my anime program today. She really liked it. She is so nice. I don’t get why she changed her name, though. Logan says she is weird, but I think she is nice.
    I feel sick.
    Do I have to do my journal when I feel sick? Besides, Jacqueline and Logan are fighting over my laptop. They both want to send e-mails to their friends since the internet station at the end of the hall is broken. If I feel sick, do I have to do my math, Abbie?
    From,
    Kip
    November 21
    Jacquie H-M.
    9:06 a.m.
    Hello Abbie,
    I had a wonderful dinner with my mother and father last night and I wanted to tell you about it so you could see the progress I have made. After you left for the day my parents arrived with a pass from Dr. Valens so we could go out for a surprise dinner. We got to celebrate my sister Helena’s successful win as second row dancer and understudy in a new play. They brought me a new skirt (size zero, can you believe it?) from the Gap to wear with my red sweater to dinner. My sister seemed not quite herself. She did say that she much preferred the understudy role to the main role itself as the director was really on the lookout for cows with big chests and she would not want to be considered one of those. My mother says for a special treat they will go to visit the plastic surgeon one more time as push-up bras are just not enough these days for a girl who has Hollywood in her sights. My dad read the paper since he doesn’t like to comment on girl talk.
    I want you to know, Abbie, that I ate my whole meal. My parents were so proud. They are convinced I will be ready to leave here soon, and much as I will miss you, Abbie, I am ready to go home.
    I did get some bad news at dinner. My parents and Ihad quite a long time to talk while my sister was in the restroom, and they told me that Nona has moved to a nursing home while I have been incarcerated. It seems she fell and broke her hip and needs extra care while she recovers. She sent me a gift, though: a beautiful little astrolabe from her collection. It’s not the gold one, but it is quite old and valuable all the same. As you are so knowledgeable on the subject of astronomy, you must know what a precious gift this is to me. Mother and Daddy were quite worried that it would be stolen in the hospital but I assured them that I have a very safe place to keep it, and especially since Nona is